Space Savers, part 1

If you are feeling cramped in your house and wonder just how you can maximize living space, there are things you can do.

First, you can decide that you will take some time to look at the space, consult experts as needed, and make a plan. Having a plan will keep you from running to get the first product that promises to organize your life. Often, these products end up adding to clutter, rather than detracting from it.

In fact, some people find it helpful to take a fast from buying objects for the house for a short period a time (a month, or a week if you cannot last a month). This will allow you to take stock of what you have and perhaps consider what you can throw away. Or you may see how things can be shifted to give a part of the house a less cluttered feel.

You may find that something you already have can be put to another use. Nowadays this is called "re-purposing," but the idea has been around since time began.

Check back on Wednesday for more ideas on saving space.